Comparison: Best Snow Blower Skid Shoes (Updated | Jan 2nd)
Winter is here, and nothing kills the joy of a fresh snowfall like gouging your pristine driveway with your snow blower. If you’re tired of chipped concrete or torn-up asphalt, it’s time to upgrade your skid shoes. But with so many options out there, finding the perfect pair that balances durability and surface protection can be tricky. We’ve tested the top contenders on the market to help you find the best snow blower skid shoes that will keep your machine running smoothly all season long.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for best roller design: Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 Snow Blower Skid Shoes W/Hardware
- Best for tapered gravel pro: A Pair Universal Snow Blower Skid Shoes Compatible with Heavy Duty Snowblower/Snow Thrower
- Best for best complete kit: 2 Pcs 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Wheel for Craftsman MTD Cub Cadet and Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Thrower Snowblowers
- Best for ariens polymer fit: HUSWELL Polymer Snow Blower Skid Shoes for Ariens 72600300 Snowblower Slide Shoes Ariens 02483859 Snow Thrower Skid Plates with Mounting Hardware Kit
- Best for mtd direct oem: 490-241-0010 Snow Thrower Skid Shoes (2 Pack) with Hardware – Universal Fit for MTD Troy-Bilt Yard Machines 2/3-Stage Snow Blowers (Replaces MTD 490-241-0010)
- Best for reversible durability: 490-241-0010 Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes – Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Throwers – Made with Durable Polyurethane – Includes Mounting Hardware
- Best for wide steel shield: ELITEWILL Universal Snow Blower Skid Shoe Heavy Duty and Wide Snow Thrower Slide Shoes with Black Powder Coating Fit for All Stage Snowblowers
- Best for john deere tractor fit: ELITEWILL Snow Blower Skid Shoe for 42″
- Best for cold-resistant roller: KINTLE 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Compatible with MTD/Crafstman Two & Three Stage Snow Blower
- Best for deere steel heavyweight: JURPLIX 2PCS Snowblower Skid Shoes with Mounting Hardware for 42″ 44″ 47″ 54″ Snow Blower Thrower – Compatible with John Deere 100 300 400 700 D & E Series Lawn Tractors Replace# AM122263 AM122264
Product Comparison: Best Snow Blower Skid Shoes
Best Roller Design
Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 Snow Blower Skid Shoes W/Hardware, for Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Thrower Snowblowers
Huthbrother
Upgrade your snow blower with these universal roller skid shoes from Huthbrother. Designed to replace part 490-241-0038, they fit most 2-stage and 3-stage models from major brands like Craftsman, MTD, and Cub Cadet. Made from durable polyurethane, these shoes offer excellent cold resistance and long service life. The unique roller design helps your machine glide smoothly over uneven surfaces, reducing wear and tear. While hole distances may vary slightly by batch, the nylon material is easy to drill for a custom fit. This set includes all necessary hardware for a quick and hassle-free installation.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable polyurethane material
- Fits major snow blower brands
- Easy to drill for custom fit
- Includes necessary hardware
- Resists cold temperatures
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Hole distance may vary
- May require drilling
Tapered Gravel Pro
A Pair Universal Snow Blower Skid Shoes Compatible with Heavy Duty Snowblower/Snow Thrower, One end of The Shoe is Pointed, While The Other is Broad
MOWZXL
These universal snow blower skid shoes by MOWZXL are built for heavy-duty performance. Constructed from premium materials, they ensure efficient operation even in harsh winter conditions. The precision-engineered tapered widening structure excels on cracked sidewalks and gravel driveways, lifting the plow over obstacles to prevent damage. This versatile pair offers a flexible solution for various snow removal equipment, providing reliable stability and outstanding performance. Installation is quick and straightforward, requiring no complex procedures. Simply secure with bolts for immediate use, making them an ideal upgrade for anyone looking to protect their investment and improve snow clearing efficiency.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Heavy-duty premium materials
- Great for uneven surfaces
- Quick and easy installation
- Prevents equipment damage
- Highly versatile compatibility
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May fit loosely
- Bolts can rust
Best Complete Kit
2 Pcs 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Wheel for Craftsman MTD Cub Cadet and Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Thrower Snowblowers, Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes
LIZEWEI
Enhance your snow blower’s maneuverability with these universal rolling skid shoes from LIZEWEI. Replacing part number 490-241-0038, they fit most 2-stage and 3-stage models including Craftsman, MTD, and Cub Cadet. Crafted from premium polyurethane, they withstand extreme cold down to -30°C while offering superior wear resistance. The rolling design improves agility compared to fixed steel or plastic skids, making your snow clearing tasks easier. Each package includes two roller skid shoes, plastic wheels, and a complete hardware kit with a wrench. Upgrade your equipment today for a smoother, more efficient snow removal experience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Withstands extreme cold
- Complete hardware kit included
- Rolling design improves agility
- Fits many popular models
- Superior wear resistance
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic wheels feel cheap
- Complex for beginners
Ariens Polymer Fit
HUSWELL Polymer Snow Blower Skid Shoes for Ariens 72600300 Snowblower Slide Shoes Ariens 02483859 Snow Thrower Skid Plates with Mounting Hardware Kit
HUSWELL
The HUSWELL Polymer Snow Blower Skid Shoes offer a robust upgrade for your Ariens, John Deere, or MTD snow blower. Constructed from high-quality polymer, these shoes are designed to glide smoothly over various surfaces, preventing damage to your driveway or pavement while maintaining a consistent scraping height. They serve as direct replacements for multiple OEM part numbers, ensuring a broad compatibility range across popular ST series and Deere models. Installation is straightforward, but verifying the specific 3-inch bolt center and slot dimensions is crucial for a proper fit. These skid shoes are an excellent investment for prolonging your machine’s life.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Fits multiple major brands
- Smooth surface protection
- Durable polymer material
- Easy direct replacement
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Strict measurement required
- May need hardware purchase
MTD Direct OEM
490-241-0010 Snow Thrower Skid Shoes (2 Pack) with Hardware – Universal Fit for MTD Troy-Bilt Yard Machines 2/3-Stage Snow Blowers (Replaces MTD 490-241-0010)
ZHRANXZ
This 490-241-0010 Snow Thrower Skid Shoe set by ZHRANXZ provides a universal fit solution for various MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Yard Machines units. Made from heavy-duty polyurethane, these skids resist wear and corrosion, ensuring reliable performance through harsh winter conditions. The kit includes two shoes and all necessary mounting hardware like screws and nuts, making installation hassle-free. They are engineered to protect your valuable surfaces from scratches while improving maneuverability on icy terrain. Perfect for 2-stage and 3-stage throwers, these replacement shoes combine durability with convenience, making snow clearing more efficient and protecting your investment.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes all mounting hardware
- Heavy-duty polyurethane build
- Protects driveway surfaces
- Universal fit compatibility
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Specific model compatibility
- Plastic can wear over time
Reversible Durability
490-241-0010 Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes – Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Throwers – Made with Durable Polyurethane – Includes Mounting Hardware
AR-PRO
The AR-PRO Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes are designed to fit most 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers, including popular Troy-Bilt and MTD models from 2009 and 2014. Crafted from durable, cold-resistant polyurethane, these shoes are built to withstand tough winter elements without corroding or pitting. A unique feature of this kit is the reversible design, allowing you to flip the shoes to double their lifespan and maximize value. The package includes all necessary bolts, washers, and nuts for a quick setup. These skid shoes provide stability and protection, making them a practical choice for maintaining your equipment.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Reversible for double life
- Fits most major models
- Includes mounting hardware
- Resists cold and corrosion
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Check model fit carefully
- Generic sizing issues
Wide Steel Shield
ELITEWILL Universal Snow Blower Skid Shoe Heavy Duty and Wide Snow Thrower Slide Shoes with Black Powder Coating Fit for All Stage Snowblowers
ELITEWILL
These ELITEWILL universal snow blower skid shoes are designed to upgrade your machine’s performance in winter. Constructed from heavy-duty steel with a sleek black coating, they offer exceptional durability and resist rust effectively. The wide, flat bottom design lifts the blower above gravel or grass, significantly reducing stone ingestion and surface damage. They provide excellent protection on cracked or uneven sidewalks, ensuring smooth operation. Installation is quick and hassle-free as no drilling is required, making them a convenient upgrade for various snow blower models.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Universal fit design
- Heavy-duty steel build
- Wide flat bottoms
- Easy no-drill install
- Protects uneven surfaces
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be too wide
- Paint can chip off
John Deere Tractor Fit
ELITEWILL Snow Blower Skid Shoe for 42″, 44″, 47″ and 54″ Snow Blower Thrower Fit for John Deere 100, 300, 400,700 Series Tractors Replace OEM AM122263 AM122264
ELITEWILL
Specifically engineered for John Deere snow blower attachments, these ELITEWILL skid shoes fit 42, 44, 47, and 54-inch models. They serve as a reliable replacement for part numbers AM122263 and AM122264, ensuring a perfect fit for 100, 300, 400, and 700 Series tractors. The heavy-duty construction features 2-1/4 inch wide by 1/2 inch thick shoes with reinforced side mount plates. Finished with a black powder coating, these slide shoes are built to withstand harsh winter elements while maintaining a smooth glide over driveways.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Exact John Deere fit
- Heavy-duty thickness
- Durable powder coat
- Includes left and right
- Replaces OEM parts
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited to John Deere
- Specific size range
Cold-Resistant Roller
KINTLE 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Compatible with MTD/Crafstman Two & Three Stage Snow Blower, Fits for 31AH64EG700, 31AH64FG700, 31AH64FG795 and More, Black
KINTLE
These KINTLE universal rolling skid shoes offer a unique alternative to traditional fixed shoes, featuring wheels that roll smoothly over surfaces. Compatible with many major brands like Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Cub Cadet, they fit machines with 2-3/4 or 3-inch bolt centers. The rolling action significantly reduces friction, making your snow thrower easier to maneuver and turn. Unlike fixed steel or plastic options, these roller skids will not wear down unevenly, providing consistent performance. They work reliably in extreme cold down to thirty degrees below zero.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Rolling wheel design
- Easy to maneuver
- Fits many brands
- Extreme cold rated
- Reduces surface wear
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Complex compatibility check
- Rollers may freeze
Deere Steel Heavyweight
JURPLIX 2PCS Snowblower Skid Shoes with Mounting Hardware for 42″ 44″ 47″ 54″ Snow Blower Thrower – Compatible with John Deere 100 300 400 700 D & E Series Lawn Tractors Replace# AM122263 AM122264
JURPLIX
Manufactured by JURPLIX, these heavy-duty snow blower skid shoes are compatible with a vast array of John Deere tractors, including 100, D, E, L, X, and 1 & 2 Series. They serve as direct replacements for OEM parts AM122263 and AM122264. Crafted from thick, wear-resistant steel with a black powder-coated finish, they resist rust and corrosion effectively. By maintaining the proper height, they protect both your gravel driveway and the blower housing from unnecessary scraping and damage during operation.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wide John Deere fit
- Thick steel construction
- Rust resistant coating
- Includes mounting hardware
- Protects housing well
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Fitment is complex
- Heavy to handle
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What material should I choose for snow blower skid shoes?
Polyethylene shoes are generally preferred over steel because they are quieter and glide smoothly over concrete or asphalt without damaging the surface. Steel plates are more durable for gravel driveways but tend to be noisy and leave scratches on paved areas. Consider your driveway surface before making a final decision.
How do I determine the correct size for my machine?
Most skid shoes are universal, but you must check the mounting hole spacing to ensure they align with your snow blower’s housing. Measure the distance between the center of the bolt holes on your current shoes and compare it to the product specifications. Additionally, ensure the overall width does not extend beyond the auger housing to avoid obstruction.
Are adjustable skid shoes worth the extra cost?
Yes, adjustable skid shoes allow you to precisely control the scraper height to prevent the auger from digging into your driveway. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining an even surface on uneven terrain and extending the lifespan of your machine. They offer better value over time by reducing wear and tear on critical components.
What are the signs that my skid shoes need replacing?
You should replace your skid shoes if they are worn down unevenly or have become razor-thin, as this causes the scraper bar to hit the ground. Visible deep grooves or significant metal loss indicates that the shoes can no longer maintain the proper height. Replacing them promptly prevents expensive damage to your snow blower’s auger and housing.
How do OEM parts compare to aftermarket options?
OEM parts are guaranteed to fit perfectly and are made of the exact materials specified by the manufacturer, but they often come at a higher price point. High-quality aftermarket options can provide equal durability and improved features like reversible designs for longer life. Reading user reviews can help identify which aftermarket brands offer the best value without sacrificing quality.
What is the benefit of reversible skid shoes?
Reversible skid shoes allow you to flip them over once one side wears down, effectively doubling their usable lifespan. This feature saves you money in the long run by delaying the need for a replacement purchase. They are an excellent choice for frequent users who want to get the most durability out of a single pair.